Legal experts from across the country are attending a five-day workshop in Gelegphu to develop a training module on trafficking in persons (TIPs) for the Judiciary. The workshop is expected to bring on board all the stakeholders including the judiciary to build a common understanding of human trafficking. The workshop began yesterday and will end on the 28th of this month.
During the program, participants will develop four modules on the introduction of trafficking, national legislation, international legislation and current practices and challenges. Once the module is developed, judges across the country will be trained.
“Trafficking in person is an emerging issue and a national concern. The workshop is an outcome of the meeting held in Thimphu to develop the training package for the judiciary. Judiciary, being one of the strong agencies can formulate and sensitize trafficking issues in Bhutan,” said Kelzang Wangmo from the Department of Law and Order.
According to Tandin Wangmo, the National Project Coordinator for the program, so far Bhutan has reported 11 cases of potential trafficking in persons. But two were dropped for they did not qualify as trafficking cases. Relevant stakeholders have been trained and informed on the issues concerning human trafficking since 2014. The workshop is an effort to create awareness among the judges on human trafficking.
“All the judges in the country have a clear understanding of the sensitivity around trafficking in person. But everybody needs a reminder from time to time. We are trying to present to the judges on what has been taught in the legal education system and on what could be trafficking in person. Most importantly it is to share it to them the current challenges that other stakeholders face when there are trafficking in person related cases,” added the project coordinator.
The workshop is organized by the Department of Law and Order in collaboration with the United Nations Development Coordination Office Bhutan.
Karma Wangdi
